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Mitchell, Linda Carr, Margaret Kahuroa, Raella 2021-08-11T23:37:46Z 2021-08-11T23:37:46Z 2021 2021-08-08T10:15:36Z Kahuroa, R. D. E. (2021). Critical pedagogy in early childhood education: Four case studies in Aotearoa New Zealand (Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)). The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10289/14527 https://hdl.handle.net/10289/14527 Critical pedagogy provides a rigorous critical theory for teachers and children in early childhood education. This study seeks to answer two questions. Firstly, how might teachers enact critical pedagogy in an early childhood education setting, and secondly, how can critical pedagogy support the belonging and empowerment of young children. The critical inquiry framework in this study is framed by Paulo Freire (1970/2018). The study used an action research approach, and was undertaken as four case studies of teachers in the same kindergarten, with each teacher implementing a separate critical pedagogy inquiry. The findings of the study showed the possibilities that exist for children and teachers through a critical pedagogy approach. Using Freirean concepts, informed by bicultural practices and supported by early childhood approaches (such as working theories, wait time, and open-ended dialogue), teachers were able to successfully implement critical pedagogy inquiries. These inquiries also led to an expansion of children’s critical consciousness as they explored multiple perspectives. Praxis supported the empowerment of children as they worked with teachers to act on issues that were important to them. Belonging for children was also supported through opportunities to practise critical skills, negotiate challenges, solve problems, and collaborate for a common good. The study found that critical pedagogy was not only possible, but also valuable for children and teachers, supporting them to interrogate and transform the world around them. application/pdf en The University of Waikato All items in Research Commons are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. Critical pedagogy Early childhood Early childhood education -- New Zealand -- Case studies Kindergarten -- New Zealand -- Case studies Critical pedagogy -- New Zealand -- Psychological aspects Early childhood teachers -- New Zealand -- Attitudes -- Case studies Kindergarten teachers -- New Zealand -- Attitudes -- Case studies Learning, Psychology of Cognition in children -- New Zealand -- Psychological aspects Biculturalism -- New Zealand Kura pūhou Mātauranga Ako Tikanga-rua Ariā whakaako Kaiako Waihanga Critical pedagogy in early childhood education: Four case studies in Aotearoa New Zealand Thesis The University of Waikato Doctoral Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Hamilton, New Zealand Publication open.access